Like A Storm: Matt Brooks Interview at Louder Than Life 2015

Written/Photographed by Robin Ervolina
It’s a cold, rainy day in Louisville, Kentucky when Like A Storm’s Matt Brooks breezes into my life and blows me away with his genuineness. Sitting in the Louder Than Life media tent, Matt shares his coat and stories from his childhood, while I share heaps of praise and a suggestion for their next acoustic project.
Shockwave Magazine: I love your coat.
Matt Brooks: Thank you!
It looks warm.
Are you cold?
I'm from Florida.
You must be very cold indeed.
I'm frozen to this bench. 
I'll come sit over here beside you.
I won't say no to that. For those unfamiliar with Like A Storm, it was started by you and your brothers.
That is correct.
What is your first musical memory collaborating with Chris and Kent?
We always -- it was crazy because we actually always used to play in different bands when we were growing up, but we always jammed together at home. So when we were little kids our mom and dad thought it would be good if we all learned the piano. So for as long as I can remember we've always been playing piano, and that kind of segwayed into other instruments. As we got a little bit older, started to get into rock music, and then really get into rock music, we've always just played different instruments between us. We've always jammed together, even when we weren't in the same band. So we'd be in different bands, but we'd just be kicking around at home and pick up a guitar, and someone plays drums, and someone plays bass, and we'd just play, like, Foo Fighters, or like, Michael Jackson, or whatever we wanted. So I guess in a way we've kind of always been doing it, long before we actually started the band together.
So what did your parents listen to? That's ultimately going to be your first influences.
Yes! They gave us a really good start as far as song writing. They were huge Beatles fans, Eagles fans, Creedence Clearwater Revival ... and I remember one trip we took as kids. We went around the South Island of New Zealand, and for six weeks the only thing we could agree on between us and our parents was the Eagles Greatest Hits. We had Sound Garden and Nirvana, and we wanted to listen to that. I think Mom wanted to listen to The Mamas & the Papas or something -- which now I appreciate, but when you're a kid you don't care about that. The Eagles was what we decided on. So we listened to nothing but the Eagles for six weeks. I could sing you every lyric of every song on that Greatest Hits album.
“Desperado.”
Love “Desperado!” What a song. Don Henley. What a voice, man. Amazing.
A little bit?
*Sings* “Desperado…”
Alright, that's perfect. I'm slain. Getting back to all the different instruments you picked up over the year, obviously we have to talk about the didgeridoo. Did I say that right!
Yes, excellent. You're one of the few.
Alright! So who picked up the didgeridoo first? And pardon me for being blunt, but was it a joke? Were you just curious about it? It's a very unusual instrument, obviously. 
Yeah, it is. So the didgeridoo is an Australian instrument. But growing up in New Zealand, it's always been around. The sound of it, I think to all of us, has always just been a very hypnotic, captivating sound. Even now it's like, people could hear it today, people would have heard it for the first time -- it just hypnotizes people. So I guess the sound of it is something we have always been familiar with. But Chris, who is our lead singer, he taught himself how to play it after a trip to Australia, which is where our grandparents lived. Every year we would go to Australia and visit them. One year he bought a didge and taught himself how to play it in three days, which is crazy because it's this notoriously hard instrument to learn. It involves circular breathing which is a way to keep the drone continuous even when you're breathing in at the same time. So like you're breathing in and you're pushing out at the same time. It's incredibly difficult.
Not a typical wind instrument.
No, it's a very difficult instrument to learn. As soon as Chris taught himself how to play it we just thought it was the most incredible sound we'd ever heard. I guess as musicians and as song writers we just thought it was a cool thing to try and incorporate into our music. It's been an evolutionary process since then. As we've written new songs and made new records, now the didge is as much a part of our band as guitars, bass, and drums. It's kind of cool to be in a place where you have this completely different instrument that you can incorporate as if it's just part of the band.
It's fearless, honestly, what you guys do and the way that you experiment with sound. I can't imagine the process of picking up an instrument and thinking, "Well that didn't work," because it seems like everything that I wouldn't picture being part of a rock ensemble, works for Like A Storm. There's a fearlessness to your sound. 
Thank you. That's a huge compliment. Thank you, honestly. But that's part of what we love most about being in a band, you know? This last record, Awaken the Fire, we wrote it ourselves, we recorded it ourselves, we produced it ourselves, it's entirely our baby. We just thought, you know, this is like -- you know, we left New Zealand to play music, and we're going to play what we love. If you try something and it doesn't work, there's nothing wrong with that. You know, the only problem there ever is, is to be afraid to try things. That's how we feel anyhow. So for us it's like, you take chances and you take risks and you do crazy things like incorporating didgeridoo into rock music. Sometimes it works, and when it works it's like something you've never heard before. To us that's the most exciting thing about being a musician is that you get the opportunity to stumble across things that you've never heard before. Then you get to play that every night.
So is there anything you want to try next, in terms of like a musical sound? Something you've thought about? Something maybe you're like "There's no way I'm bringing this up," but then you do?
*Laughs* It's funny because we're always joking about that, because Didgeridoo Metal is kind of what that kind of music is known as now. It didn't exist before we started doing it.
It's your thing! You made a genre.
We're very honored. But we're huge fans of all different kinds of music. I mean, "Wish You Hell," another song of ours, we became huge fans of the blues, and Delta blues in particular, through touring in the south of America. We just thought it would be cool to write a song that incorporated this kind of 1930s Delta blues thing with a heavy rock song. So I suppose for us it's just like whatever we're inspired by and whatever to us is exciting and -- we're always looking for new influences to bring into the fold and make them part of our band.
And it always works. I mean, from where I'm sitting.
Thank you! Thank you.
Obviously I'm not in the studio and I don't hear the "nopes."
I think that's the most fun thing about making an album is that you can take chances, and if it doesn't work then no one has to hear it. But the most important thing is to create an environment where you can try crazy ideas, because when they work it's much cooler than you would ever imagine.
You also did the DVD Southern Skies. So you traveled around to places that you grew up -- and introduced your fans to these places and then did these amazing acoustic covers in the most amazing places.
Ah, thank you.
Do you see yourselves doing more of that?
Absolutely. I mean, that was a really special thing for us because we've always been fans of bands that could play heavy rock and also play acoustically, you know? All the bands we looked up to like Metallica and Stone Temple Pilots, Alice In Chains, that was just part of being a musician. So we always loved doing the acoustic stuff. Then with Southern Skies, we got to go back to places that were really significant to us growing up. We’d been away touring for a long time, so to go back and to get to share that with our fans is a very cool thing.
Speaking of your fans, you were awarded most fan-friendly band by TuneLab’s readers.
That was nice of them to say.
That's is a nice thing to say.
It's very nice. I mean, I don't know how you couldn't love your fans, you know? Our fans are amazing, and they're literally the reason that we're here. They're the difference between you being completely unknown, and getting to tour America, and tour Europe. Your fans are the people who make your dream possible. That's why we love them. They're also very cool people. We've gotten to know a lot of them and they're very awesome.
There are bands that are afraid of their fans.
Our fans are cool. Our fans have honestly never been anything other than awesome to us, and the more of an opportunity we have to get to know them, the more you like people. It's cool.
I wanted to ask you, because you guys are so experimental, if you would ever consider doing a recording in the Integratron? Because when I was watching Southern Skies this came to mind.
Tell me about the Integratron. I'm sold.
Okay, it's in the Mojave Desert.
Okay, I like the Mojave Desert.
It is considered to be the most acoustically perfect structure in the world. 
It probably has the best name of anything in the world.
It does have the best name.
The Integratron. Integratron! That could be the name of our next album.
Artists have recorded there. It's totally doable. 
It sounds awesome. Wow!
I just think that you are bold enough to do something really cool there. 
We are pretty bold. I don't know if that's insanity or courage, but we are bold.
But it's a very good thing because it comes out in your sound and that's why you're not like anybody else. I sit down and read about bands and listen to bands to get a feel for what I want to talk about, but what's interesting about Like A Storm is that no one compares you to anyone else.
Well thank you! That's really high praise, honestly.
It's very true. 
Thank you.
Now you came over with Creed, then you toured again with Alter Bridge, and you just toured Europe with Tremonti. I sense a pattern emerging.
Yeah, we love this guy. I mean, Mark especially. I mean honestly, Mark was my idol growing up. When I was a guitar player growing up, Mark Tremonti was my idol. So just to know him as a person is a huge thing for me. But he's an amazing guy and they've done so much for us. You know, we toured with Creed, Alter Bridge, Tremonti. We love these guys.
So what's next then?
We're going to be in the states for the rest of the year. We have a headlining tour of America which is our first American headlining, nationwide tour in November and December. To us that’s a huge milestone so we're very excited about that.
We will look for it.
Awesome!
You were so kind to sit down with me and keep me warm. 
Thanks for taking the time.

With that, Matt moves on to his next interview, and just like a storm, when it’s over somehow the air is that much sweeter. Like A Storm is almost halfway through their Didgeridoo Destruction Tour. Catch up with them before the storm passes and look for Shockwave Magazine’s show review coming soon.

Candlebox plays Honey in Delray, Florida 10-13-15

By Robin Ervolina
Candlebox's Kevin Martin and Mike Leslie performed an intimate acoustic set at Honey in Delray, Florida on Friday the 13th, 2015. Candlebox shirts spanning two decades were plentiful in a venue filled with long-time fans. While Friday the 13th is supposed to be unlucky, I felt privileged to witness these two guys just doing what they love for a small audience of loyal fans. Honey set up the stage in their outdoor courtyard, which could have been problematic given the intermittent rain of the day, but not even superstition can keep a good band down, and Martin and Leslie put everything into an amazing performance. Even though Honey is far too small for a band of this caliber, Candlebox managed to capture the small crowd and provide a personal, once-in-a-lifetime experience. According to concert goer Tracy Davis of Fort Lauderdale, FL, "The only thing that would have made the experience better is Adam Kury."
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Failure Anthem: Kile Odell Interview

By Robin Ervolina
Once upon a time in a land far, far away (Greensboro, North Carolina) five talented dudes came together to form a little thing called Failure Anthem. Sound familiar? If you're a rock fan it should. Failure Anthem is burning up Sirius and Octane with their first single, "Paralyzed" off their soon-to-be-released album First World Problems. It's an honest to goodness, not pulling any punches, rock album of epic proportions. I was beyond stoked to speak with Kile Odell, guitarist for Failure Anthem, and chat about their band and what the future holds.
Shockwave Magazine: I’m thrilled to talk to you, Kile. I have to admit I kind of snatched up this assignment as soon as I started getting press releases from Amy [Sciarretto, Atom Splitter PR.] I went over the moon for you guys. I think your band is amazing. Now that that’s out of the way, let’s jump right into the interview.
Kile Odell: *Laughs* Okay, awesome!
Failure Anthem is the name of your band. Tell us a little bit about how you came together. 
KO: Well, I was working out of a studio and I had been playing in bands, and I just kind of stopped for awhile. I wrote a couple songs, and I was like, "You know, I kind of want to see what I can do with these." So I hit up a friend of mine, J.D. [Eubanks] who is our vocalist, and he came up and he sang on them, and I was like, "Whoa!" We were both just kind of like, "These came out awesome!" so we hit up some friends that we had known for awhile, Wil [Andrews, rhythm guitar], Zane [Frye, drums], and Ryan [Nimmo, bass, backup vocals], and just kind of formed the band and went from there, and kept writing and that was that. It was a pretty easy thing.
When did you and J.D. actually hit the studio for the first time? You guys kind of burst onto the scene when you played Carolina Rebellion this year.
KO: Yes, we started working on material maybe a year and a half, two years ago.
Wow. Okay.
KO: Yeah, you know, just demo'ing songs. We wrote so much music. I think we wrote like 35 songs or something like that. That was when it started though, around a year and a half, two years ago.
And then you guys got picked up by Razor & Tie.
KO: Yeah, yeah, last year we started -- they contacted our management and that kind of got the ball rolling with that, and we signed with them -- I think it was Octoberish? October or November. Something like that. The record was already done, so that made that kind of easy. You know, we were just like, "Alright, well, here it is! It's finished!"
Let's go do this now!
KO: Yeah, it was just kind of like "Okay, perfect timing," you know? We had done all these songs and we kind of knew what the record would be, so it was perfect. Like I say, everything with this band has been like super easy, which has been different for all of us.
You mentioned that you were working in a studio. What was it like for you being on the other side of the board? Now you're recording! You worked with Motionless in White and some other big names. So what was it like working on the other side, being the recording artist and not the guy behind the controls?
KO: It's a little weird because I did this record, but I did it with my best friend Drew Fulk, and it was nice having days where I could just kind of sit back, and I didn't really have to worry about anything. But then also the fact that I recorded and mixed most of the record, and he helped me mix also, I had to kind of keep an objective mindset with it. And I also had to make sure I wasn't overthinking things, because that's really easy to do when it's your own project.
Tell me a little bit about First World Problems, your CD that's coming out soon.
KO: Yeah, that's -- I think the release date is January 22nd, I believe.
Yep!
KO: It's a cool record. I think it's a cool record. It's kind of -- it touches a lot of different areas. The title track being "First World Problems," it's kind of self-explanatory. I mean, it's about people who complain about the most insignificant stuff these days when we have so much bigger things to worry about. The whole record is kind of personal like that. There's a lot of, like, venting, or just personal struggles being talked about on the record. So I think it's a record that people will be able to identify with pretty easily.
Thanks to Amy I've already gotten to listen it. It's a regular rotation for me. I cannot wait for this thing to get released so that everyone can get their hands on it. I really think it's going to be big. I love it. 
KO: Well that's awesome. Thank you!
That's why I snatched up this interview. “Paralyzed” is your first single. It’s actually playing on Sirius and Octane now, right?
KO: Yes, that's been pretty amazing. It's in hyper-rotation I believe now.
It really is!
KO: Yeah, I have friends hitting me up constantly with pictures of their dashboard when it comes on. It's pretty crazy having your music out there like that!
Yes, but that's just -- this is the first release and it's blowing up. That's a cool thing. Is that your favorite song off First World Problems, or do you have another one that you are kind of like, "This is my baby."
KO: It is one of my favorite. It was actually the first song that we did as a band, so that was kind of like -- when we got done with that we were like, "Oh, okay. Yes, this is pretty cool." But my favorite song on the record is probably "I Won't Say Goodbye." It's the most personal one to me. It's about -- I lost my mother when I was 15 years old, and that song is about that. It's about what I went through with that. My mom was sick, and I had this belief in my mind that if I didn't say goodbye to her that she couldn't leave, that nothing could happen. It was just like that denial of, like, I had no control over what was happening.
I'm at a loss for words. Wow.
KO: Yes, that song is extremely personal. And that's probably my favorite one on the record.
I've listened to it, like I said, over and over. I feel like you guys are no holds barred. You just put it all out there.
KO: Yeah. You have to be. I feel like you have to be. You have to kind of let yourself be vulnerable, or to let people see what you're really all about.
That's what I am feeling. I haven't had the pleasure of seeing you because you haven't made it to Florida yet. I know you guys played Vamp'd last night which is one of my favorite venues, and you're touring with Like A Storm [LAS] on their Didgeridoo Destruction Tour. How are you finding the road? The fans? The guys in LAS? 
KO: It's been great. It's been really good. The show last night was awesome. There were a lot of people, a lot of friends there and whatnot. It was very fun. The bands have been great too. Everybody is very friendly and accommodating and I feel like there’s no weirdness on the tour. Everyone is on the same page. The crowds have been awesome. I think it's been a pretty perfect tour, honestly.
The LAS guys are fun. I've gotten to sit down and talk with them and they’re just real people, just laid back and super cool. 
KO: Oh absolutely. They're super awesome, yeah.
So what are your plans after this tour then? Do you guys have some tour dates set up after this one runs out? I notice you guys kind of finish up around the 19th of December. 
KO: Yeah, somewhere around there. I think that they're still adding a date here and there.
Oh good!
KO: We're off for the holidays and then we're starting right back into it either mid-January or the beginning of February. We don’t have anything that we can really talk about yet, but we do have stuff that's coming up.
Are you coming to Florida? 
KO: I mean, I would hope so. I love Florida. I hope we get there. We've got to be coming down there.
That's what I'm thinking. That's exactly what I'm thinking. I'm going to start bugging because I would love to see you guys come down here. 
KO: That's so close to us too. I don't see why we wouldn't.
Yeah, right! You're from Greensboro. You guys are all North Carolina based, right?
KO: Yeah, we should definitely be coming to Florida. Absolutely.
So you guys have played the small clubs and now you're playing bigger venues. Do you have a preference?
KO: You know, there's something about a smaller venue that's packed out where everyone is right up against the stage that is a little more intimate and is fun. But I just love playing, so you know, either-or, give them to me. I'm stoked to play.
For sure! How did you guys come up with the name Failure Anthem?
KO: That was a weird one. We had a bunch that we were tossing around and I said that one, one day, and that just seemed to be the one that it was like, everyone was into immediately. It has this underdog theme to it, which is like an anthem to people who don't feel like they can beat the odds but they can, you know? It's like, you have those people in life that no one thinks that they're capable of doing things, and then -- you know, we want to be the people who say, "Yeah, you can do it. You’re not stuck. You can do whatever you want to do."
So couple that with the raw honesty in your lyrics -- what do you guys hope to accomplish with your music and your message in the coming year?
KO: I mean, if we can inspire anyone, or make anyone smile or laugh at a show, just anything like that, anything positive. We're just trying to have a positive impact on people in general.
Do you have a favorite story from the tour so far? Fan interaction? Something weird or funny that happened, on the road or on stage?
KO: I don't know that we've gotten anything like really crazy yet. Our other guitarist, Will Andrews, is an odd ball and he's hilarious. He does some ridiculous things sometimes that crack us up. Like, he likes to dance and act ridiculous sometimes at shows or after shows. But really, we haven't -- nothing too crazy yet has happened. We're a pretty tame band.
Maybe you need to Vine or do a YouTube channel of the dancing. I think that we would love to see that.
KO: Yeah, I think that we have a clip of him shaking his booty on Facebook or something, but we should start keeping a log of the ridiculous stuff that he does every night.
You do! You need an on-the-road blog of Will's ridiculousness.
KO: Yeah, I think that's a good idea. I think we will start doing that!
Please do! And then we'll make sure we publish them!
KO: *Laughs* Okay, perfect.
Sweet! I super appreciate you taking time for me. I know you guys are getting ready to take the stage tonight in San Diego. I wish you all the best of luck. I wish I was there, but that's the wrong coast. But I figure if these boys from Greensboro can get to California then they can get to Florida, so I'll see you soon!
KO: Oh yeah definitely. We'll be out there.
Awesome. Kile, thank you so much! I look forward to your release and to seeing you live soon. Y’all have fun and take care!
KO: Awesome, thank you!

Catch Failure Anthem on tour before the year is over, and follow them on their website, or on Facebook. Watch the video for "Paralyzed" on YouTube. I promise you'll thank me and thank the stars for bringing these guys into your ear holes and hearts.

Theory of a Deadman with Pop Evil, Aranda, and Artifas: The Beacham Orlando 10/20/15

Theory of a Deadman
Written/Photo by Robin Ervolina
The Beacham in Orlando, Florida threw doors wide open in the middle of the week to provide a packed out house with an energetic show. Artifas, a five-man powerhouse from Memphis, TN took the stage first and the crowd soon gathered at the rail to catch their set, making it clear to all why they were chosen for the Theory of a Deadman Blows Tour.
Artifas
After a very brief tear down and set up (kudos to the crew!) Aranda followed. It was impossible to discern long-time fans from new converts if based solely on crowd reaction. Hailing from Oklahoma, brothers Dameon and Gabe may have stolen the show from their headliners as song after song fans surged and cheered. The Aranda charisma cannot be denied and Pop Evil, the third act of the night, may well agree as they invited Aranda on stage to perform with them.

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Aranda (click image for full set)
Standing atop a pedestal nearly the entire show, Pop Evil lead singer Leigh Kakaty was right where his fans put him, and he performed with an air of appreciation and humility. Pop Evil skips the stage tricks and sticks with what they do best: artully performing a catalogue of killer tunes to an audience of adoring fans.
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Pop Evil (click image for full set)
The final act of the night, Theory of a Deadman lit up the stage, quite literally, and played a full-length set full of hits and crowd favorites. If ever a band looked as though they were having the time of their lives, Theory would be that act, and that enthusiasm did not escape the massive crowd that packed the floor for the entirely of Theory's set. Fans who lined up hours before the doors opened, stayed right up to the very last song.
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Theory of a Deadman (click image for full set)
A special mention must go to the venue itself for being one of my new favorite venues in Florida. They handled the lines and the crowd with efficiency and treated everyone with respect. The venue should look forward to hosting bands of this calibre because they're clearly equipped to handle the crowds that follow them.

Yellowcard and New Found Glory - Revolution Live, Fort Lauderdale FL 10/14/15

Written/Photo by Robin Ervolina
Lines forming at noon for a show starting at 7:00 are unusual in the October heat of south Florida, but not when the co-headliners Yellowcard and New Found Glory come to town. People drove from states over, flew in from states further away, and both bands rewarded their fans with an energetic show. Yellowcard took the stage first and thrilled the audience which was packed so tightly there was no way to move about the floor or the surrounding areas. It's not uncommon for Revolution to draw a crowd, but this sell-out crowd may have been more capacity than the floor can normally handle. By the time New Found Glory took stage fans were frenzied and the entire floor turned into a massive pit, complete with crowd surfers, in spite of the venue's strict policy prohibiting these activities. Having attended more than a few events at this venue, I can say I've never seen a crowd this fired up which I credit to two bands with a great catalogue of songs and a true love for their fans, evidenced by their long sets and frequent interaction with the audience. NFG even pulled one fan on stage after noticing he had been singing every word of each song over the first half of their set. They let him request a song that he wanted to hear but had never had the opportunity to see performed live, and invited him to stay on stage and sing along. The entire atmosphere created by both Yellowcard and NFG was one of family coming together to celebrate years of memories and music. As a photographer I wholeheartedly thank Yellowcard for the beautiful lighting, and ask that New Found Glory perhaps take a page from their co-headliners in future shows. As a fan of both bands, I couldn't have asked for more. This was hours of sing-a-long, thrash-along, surf-along, rock-and-roll ear candy. The years of successful music making have only made them better, much to the audience's and this writer's delight.
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Romantic Rebel: KT Paige and Alex Vincent at Louder Than Life 2015

Proverbs 22:6 says if you raise a kid on Metallica, they may grow up to be rockstars. Meet Romantic Rebel.

Alex Vincent (guitar/backing vocals) and KT Paige (lead vocals) of Romantic Rebel

Photo/Written by Robin Ervolina
Chicago-based brother-sister duo Romantic Rebel hit the Jägermeister stage at Louder Than Life in Louisville, Kentucky on October 3, 2015. Fresh off an energetic set, Alex Vincent and KT Paige grabbed a seat in the media tent to talk about their band, their influences, and to hint at some pretty cool stuff coming up in the (hopefully near) future.
Shockwave Magazine: It's really nice to meet you guys.
KT Paige (KP): It's nice to meet you too.
I watched a recent video you posted on Facebook while on the plane. I laughed out loud and I woke up my seat neighbor. He sent you a friend request. You have an obvious brother-sister bond that really comes through on stage as well.  As siblings, I imagine you've always been making music together. But what is your first musical collaboration memory?
Alex Vincent (AV): I remember we did a cover of Green Day's "Holiday," way back when, and we thought it was the greatest thing ever.
KP: Oh my gosh, we started showing it to the kids at school. We did it through GarageBand. Oh my gosh, it was so sick.
AV: We’re like “Check out what we did," right? "Isn't this great?” And they were like, "Whoa!" And now I'm like, it's not even good, but we thought it was great.
KP: Of course.
AV: So looking back on it now we're like, what were we thinking?
KP: Yes.
Was that the point where you decided, "We're going to do this!"
AV: That was when we were doing it for fun. That was it.
KP: No, we always dreamed of doing it, we just never thought we could actually get the opportunity to do it for real.
So once you put it in your head, "You know what? I can do this," what was the process from that Green Day cover on GarageBand to this full-fledged band opening for Sevendust, Nonpoint, Like A Storm ... to name just a few?
AV: I think just maybe recognizing that we had more potential than that Green Day cover. You know, knowing that we maybe could have done something a little more meaty and awesome. That's when we were like, "Well, let's try and write a song instead." I think it just worked. I think we have that connection where we know what each other are thinking, we know what would make for a good song that we would both enjoy and hopefully everyone else would enjoy. I think it works, you know? I think it works really well. We just decided, “Let's try and do it, and let's try and take this as far as we can,” and we're really happy with the results right now.
What is your writing process? Do you guys collaborate lyrically? Musically? What do you do when you decide "We're writing this song?” Do you come to him and say, "Sit down, I'm writing a song?”
KP: It's the opposite, really.
AV: Yep, it's the opposite.
KP: He's always: "Okay, I have a really good chorus here. Let's throw some lyrics onto it and try to think up a verse" and stuff like that.
AV: We write all our music, so I usually do all the music, like demo it out, and then I'll bring it to her and say, "Check this out. I think I have the song."
KP: (Laughs) Yeah.
AV: And then we'll either be like "Meh" or "Yeah!" She’ll add her lyrics to it, and I give it to her and let her sit with it and really feel it out and experience the song. Once she gets it, it just -- we love it. It's a good process.
Often new artists are compared to popular bands, but who influences you?
AV: Oh geez.
KP: Oh my gosh.
Okay, let me ask it this way: What did your parents listen to? 
KP: Okay!
AV: That's a good question!
KP: Aerosmith, Black Sabbath, Metallica, Led Zeppelin …
AV: Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, Def Leppard … a lot of classics … Alice in Chains too. Alice in Chains is another one that they use to play all the time. I remember it, like, as a little kid because I was -- I don't know, I love it. So yeah, they raised us on awesome music, so that helped a lot.
I think you guys definitely have your own sound though.
KP: Thank you!
AV: Thank you. I'm glad to hear that.
That being said, how does it feel to be compared to Halestorm?
AV: Yeah ...
Because that's a huge compliment.
KP: It's a total huge compliment, and it's -- it makes me really happy every time I hear that because I think Lzzy (Hale, lead singer of Halestorm) has one of the most fantastic voices in rock right now, so that's pretty darn cool.
AV: Yes, they're great!
KP, You and Lzzy also share another honor?
AV: Oh, yes.
KP: (Laughs) Oh yeah?
Revolver Magazine named you one of their Hottest Chicks of Hard Rock and Metal.
KP: Yes, yes.
AV: That was pretty cool.
Actually that is a pretty cool deal. Revolver is a big publication.
AV: We read it, so that's cool, you know? It was cool to see it there. We're fans of it.
KP: That was cool.
Were you a little like, "Oh my gosh?" at first?
KP: I was at first because I wanted to send them this picture of me in my Guns N’ Roses shirt and my leather pants, just you know, doing whatever, my gritty rock poses or whatever. And they were like, "Come on, it's the Hottest Chicks of Hard Rock and Metal. You have to, you know, give us a little more." At first I was like "No!" (Laughs) And then I'm like, "Okay, fine."
It's Revolver.
KP: Exactly! I was like, well either I do or ...
AV: It's Revolver!
KP:  Yeah, it's Revolver. I think I have to, you know, suck it up here.
You did a lot of self-promoting to get your name out early on. Now you have some serious backing. 
AV: Yes, we do.
But that push and determination you had in the beginning doesn't leave just because you're signed with a label. It doesn't leave just because you have people handling you.
KP: Oh yeah.
AV: No.
Do you think pushing so hard changed you as professional musicians? What lessons did you learn that you can carry forward now?
AV: I think that with us doing it ourselves for the first two and a half years I think we learned how to work hard by ourselves. Our parents taught us, obviously, how to work hard and how to follow your dreams, and you know, if you have a passion, follow it. All the self-promotion and work we did by ourselves made us more motivated to get a manager who really cared about us, to get with one of the top booking agencies in the country -- things that we -- dreams that we had. Things that we were like, “We need to accomplish these.” All the self-promotion that we did was just a big lesson for us, and it was a good really good learning experience. We knew exactly how to work hard, and now, being with a manager who works really hard to get us out there, our hard work and his hard work collaborating -- it's unstoppable. Hopefully we're just going to keep moving and moving and moving. Social media is huge. It's huge. And it helped us get our foot in the door with a lot of people, you know, bands, and venues. It's crazy what it can do if you know how -- there's some secrets, you know? It's pretty cool.
You guys are touring right now with your -- it's not an EP anymore. It's extended.
AV: We have a full-length album out now.
So you're touring with that.
AV: Yes.
Where are you going next?
AV: Actually this is our last show of the year because we are working on the next album.
Any hints or is that ...
AV: I can say it's about halfway done, halfway written.
KP: Yes, halfway written, and it is nothing like we ever thought we could sound like before. It's really -- it's something else. I'm really excited.
AV: I listen to the demos every day because I'm just so excited about them. I think the songs are a big step from what we've done in the past.
KP: Completely.
AV: I mean, it's weird for us to be putting out another album so soon from our last one, but we need to do it because we feel this music needs to get out there. We're really passionate about it, and we think it could change something, you know? Hopefully it could change the world. You never know.
What's going to be different about the next project? 
AV: It's -- well, we can't say who we're working with, that's a -- he's …
Ah-ha!
AV: (Laughs) He's awesome. You'll see. It's pretty cool. He's worked with some awesome names.
KP: Actually a lot of names playing here.
AV: Yes, a lot of names playing here today. So that's pretty cool.
KP: It's pretty cool.
AV: So that's a big part of it. The guy we're working with is really creative, and he's got a really awesome sense for helping you find your identity and leading you in a direction and saying, “Well you guys are really good at this, so you should go with that, you know? You’ve got a certain sound and you should follow it.” He's awesome. So I can't wait to tell you who it is --
KP: But he can't. Argh!
AV: -- and get to announce it because I'm so stoked about it and the new songs are sounding good.
Well I wish you guys the best of luck. I hope that it gets done soon, it gets out there soon, you get back on the road soon.
KP: Yes!
AV: Thank you.
Before our time runs out, I have a list of questions some of your fans wanted me to ask you, like "What's the craziest gift you've ever gotten from a fan?" And I have this feeling the person asking may have sent you a crazy gift.
KP: You know what's funny? I was going to say, we have actually gotten from two separate fans in two separate states, Romantic Rebel clocks.
AV: Yes, clocks.
KP: They have made clocks.
AV: They've made them.
KP: Romantic Rebel themed clocks.
AV: And they're awesome.
KP: And they're so cool!
So to those fans and all your other fans any final words?
AV: We love you guys!
KP: And we wouldn't be here without you.
AV: Yep.
I appreciate you guys! Thank you so much. 
AV: No problem at all!
KP: Thank you!
I know you're freezing. Go have some coffee.
KP: Yes, I would love coffee! Woo!
I cannot wait to hear this now. You've got me very excited.
AV: I'm glad. I'm excited!
Okay, I'll hear it soon, yes?
AV: Awesome. Yes, of course!
You can follow Romantic Rebel on Facebook and check out music, videos, and news at r-rebel.com.

Romantic Rebel: KT Paige and Alex Vincent at Louder Than Life 2015

Proverbs 22:6 says if you raise a kid on Metallica, they may grow up to be rockstars. Meet Romantic Rebel.

Alex Vincent (guitar/backing vocals) and KT Paige (lead vocals) of Romantic Rebel

Photo/Written by Robin Ervolina
Chicago-based brother-sister duo Romantic Rebel hit the Jägermeister stage at Louder Than Life in Louisville, Kentucky on October 3, 2015. Fresh off an energetic set, Alex Vincent and KT Paige grabbed a seat in the media tent to talk about their band, their influences, and to hint at some pretty cool stuff coming up in the (hopefully near) future.
Shockwave Magazine: It's really nice to meet you guys.
KT Paige (KP): It's nice to meet you too.
I watched a recent video you posted on Facebook while on the plane. I laughed out loud and I woke up my seat neighbor. He sent you a friend request. You have an obvious brother-sister bond that really comes through on stage as well.  As siblings, I imagine you've always been making music together. But what is your first musical collaboration memory?
Alex Vincent (AV): I remember we did a cover of Green Day's "Holiday," way back when, and we thought it was the greatest thing ever.
KP: Oh my gosh, we started showing it to the kids at school. We did it through GarageBand. Oh my gosh, it was so sick.
AV: We’re like “Check out what we did," right? "Isn't this great?” And they were like, "Whoa!" And now I'm like, it's not even good, but we thought it was great.
KP: Of course.
AV: So looking back on it now we're like, what were we thinking?
KP: Yes.
Was that the point where you decided, "We're going to do this!"
AV: That was when we were doing it for fun. That was it.
KP: No, we always dreamed of doing it, we just never thought we could actually get the opportunity to do it for real.
So once you put it in your head, "You know what? I can do this," what was the process from that Green Day cover on GarageBand to this full-fledged band opening for Sevendust, Nonpoint, Like A Storm ... to name just a few?
AV: I think just maybe recognizing that we had more potential than that Green Day cover. You know, knowing that we maybe could have done something a little more meaty and awesome. That's when we were like, "Well, let's try and write a song instead." I think it just worked. I think we have that connection where we know what each other are thinking, we know what would make for a good song that we would both enjoy and hopefully everyone else would enjoy. I think it works, you know? I think it works really well. We just decided, “Let's try and do it, and let's try and take this as far as we can,” and we're really happy with the results right now.
What is your writing process? Do you guys collaborate lyrically? Musically? What do you do when you decide "We're writing this song?” Do you come to him and say, "Sit down, I'm writing a song?”
KP: It's the opposite, really.
AV: Yep, it's the opposite.
KP: He's always: "Okay, I have a really good chorus here. Let's throw some lyrics onto it and try to think up a verse" and stuff like that.
AV: We write all our music, so I usually do all the music, like demo it out, and then I'll bring it to her and say, "Check this out. I think I have the song."
KP: (Laughs) Yeah.
AV: And then we'll either be like "Meh" or "Yeah!" She’ll add her lyrics to it, and I give it to her and let her sit with it and really feel it out and experience the song. Once she gets it, it just -- we love it. It's a good process.
Often new artists are compared to popular bands, but who influences you?
AV: Oh geez.
KP: Oh my gosh.
Okay, let me ask it this way: What did your parents listen to? 
KP: Okay!
AV: That's a good question!
KP: Aerosmith, Black Sabbath, Metallica, Led Zeppelin …
AV: Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, Def Leppard … a lot of classics … Alice in Chains too. Alice in Chains is another one that they use to play all the time. I remember it, like, as a little kid because I was -- I don't know, I love it. So yeah, they raised us on awesome music, so that helped a lot.
I think you guys definitely have your own sound though.
KP: Thank you!
AV: Thank you. I'm glad to hear that.
That being said, how does it feel to be compared to Halestorm?
AV: Yeah ...
Because that's a huge compliment.
KP: It's a total huge compliment, and it's -- it makes me really happy every time I hear that because I think Lzzy (Hale, lead singer of Halestorm) has one of the most fantastic voices in rock right now, so that's pretty darn cool.
AV: Yes, they're great!
KP, You and Lzzy also share another honor?
AV: Oh, yes.
KP: (Laughs) Oh yeah?
Revolver Magazine named you one of their Hottest Chicks of Hard Rock and Metal.
KP: Yes, yes.
AV: That was pretty cool.
Actually that is a pretty cool deal. Revolver is a big publication.
AV: We read it, so that's cool, you know? It was cool to see it there. We're fans of it.
KP: That was cool.
Were you a little like, "Oh my gosh?" at first?
KP: I was at first because I wanted to send them this picture of me in my Guns N’ Roses shirt and my leather pants, just you know, doing whatever, my gritty rock poses or whatever. And they were like, "Come on, it's the Hottest Chicks of Hard Rock and Metal. You have to, you know, give us a little more." At first I was like "No!" (Laughs) And then I'm like, "Okay, fine."
It's Revolver.
KP: Exactly! I was like, well either I do or ...
AV: It's Revolver!
KP:  Yeah, it's Revolver. I think I have to, you know, suck it up here.
You did a lot of self-promoting to get your name out early on. Now you have some serious backing. 
AV: Yes, we do.
But that push and determination you had in the beginning doesn't leave just because you're signed with a label. It doesn't leave just because you have people handling you.
KP: Oh yeah.
AV: No.
Do you think pushing so hard changed you as professional musicians? What lessons did you learn that you can carry forward now?
AV: I think that with us doing it ourselves for the first two and a half years I think we learned how to work hard by ourselves. Our parents taught us, obviously, how to work hard and how to follow your dreams, and you know, if you have a passion, follow it. All the self-promotion and work we did by ourselves made us more motivated to get a manager who really cared about us, to get with one of the top booking agencies in the country -- things that we -- dreams that we had. Things that we were like, “We need to accomplish these.” All the self-promotion that we did was just a big lesson for us, and it was a good really good learning experience. We knew exactly how to work hard, and now, being with a manager who works really hard to get us out there, our hard work and his hard work collaborating -- it's unstoppable. Hopefully we're just going to keep moving and moving and moving. Social media is huge. It's huge. And it helped us get our foot in the door with a lot of people, you know, bands, and venues. It's crazy what it can do if you know how -- there's some secrets, you know? It's pretty cool.
You guys are touring right now with your -- it's not an EP anymore. It's extended.
AV: We have a full-length album out now.
So you're touring with that.
AV: Yes.
Where are you going next?
AV: Actually this is our last show of the year because we are working on the next album.
Any hints or is that ...
AV: I can say it's about halfway done, halfway written.
KP: Yes, halfway written, and it is nothing like we ever thought we could sound like before. It's really -- it's something else. I'm really excited.
AV: I listen to the demos every day because I'm just so excited about them. I think the songs are a big step from what we've done in the past.
KP: Completely.
AV: I mean, it's weird for us to be putting out another album so soon from our last one, but we need to do it because we feel this music needs to get out there. We're really passionate about it, and we think it could change something, you know? Hopefully it could change the world. You never know.
What's going to be different about the next project? 
AV: It's -- well, we can't say who we're working with, that's a -- he's …
Ah-ha!
AV: (Laughs) He's awesome. You'll see. It's pretty cool. He's worked with some awesome names.
KP: Actually a lot of names playing here.
AV: Yes, a lot of names playing here today. So that's pretty cool.
KP: It's pretty cool.
AV: So that's a big part of it. The guy we're working with is really creative, and he's got a really awesome sense for helping you find your identity and leading you in a direction and saying, “Well you guys are really good at this, so you should go with that, you know? You’ve got a certain sound and you should follow it.” He's awesome. So I can't wait to tell you who it is --
KP: But he can't. Argh!
AV: -- and get to announce it because I'm so stoked about it and the new songs are sounding good.
Well I wish you guys the best of luck. I hope that it gets done soon, it gets out there soon, you get back on the road soon.
KP: Yes!
AV: Thank you.
Before our time runs out, I have a list of questions some of your fans wanted me to ask you, like "What's the craziest gift you've ever gotten from a fan?" And I have this feeling the person asking may have sent you a crazy gift.
KP: You know what's funny? I was going to say, we have actually gotten from two separate fans in two separate states, Romantic Rebel clocks.
AV: Yes, clocks.
KP: They have made clocks.
AV: They've made them.
KP: Romantic Rebel themed clocks.
AV: And they're awesome.
KP: And they're so cool!
So to those fans and all your other fans any final words?
AV: We love you guys!
KP: And we wouldn't be here without you.
AV: Yep.
I appreciate you guys! Thank you so much. 
AV: No problem at all!
KP: Thank you!
I know you're freezing. Go have some coffee.
KP: Yes, I would love coffee! Woo!
I cannot wait to hear this now. You've got me very excited.
AV: I'm glad. I'm excited!
Okay, I'll hear it soon, yes?
AV: Awesome. Yes, of course!
You can follow Romantic Rebel on Facebook and check out music, videos, and news at r-rebel.com.

RavenEye: Oli, Aaron, and Kev Land at Louder Than Life

Left to Right: Aaron Spiers, Oli Brown, and Kev Hickman of RavenEye

Photo/Written by Robin Ervolina
I had the opportunity to sit down with the very enthusiastic rock band RavenEye at Louder Than Life in Louisville, Kentucky. Hailing from Milton Keynes, UK, Oli Brown (vocals/guitar), Aaron Spiers (guitar), and Kev Hickman (drums) are currently soaring through the American leg of their tour in support of Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators. Fans may recognize Brown from his celebrated solo career as a blues guitarist, but these birds of a feather have flocked together to bring us a soulful rocking trio. Though their set was bumped a day due to inclement weather, these mates merrily roosted awhile with Shockwave to chat about their music, their bond, and the beauty of a good pun, which I've taken good liberty with in this intro.
Shockwave Magazine: Alright! Guys, oh my gosh, I’m so glad I got to talk to you, and even more, I’m going to get to see you tomorrow!
Oli Brown: Are you for real?
Aaron Spiers: Yes!
I’m sorry you got bumped. I wouldn’t have seen you today though, so not sorry!
OB: Awe, that’s perfect.
I’m really excited because everybody that I’ve talked to about RavenEye says,“Wait until you see them live.”
OB: Oh yeah?
AS: No way.
Kev Hickman: Yeah, alright! That’s awesome.
I already love the sound. I just dig it like crazy. People keep saying to me, “But you’ve got to see them live.”
OB: Wicked.
What do you guys bring to the live show that makes your already-loving-you fan base go crazy?
OB: Energy. I think the one thing that we love with this music is that we want to make a show. I think it’s very “what goes, goes.” We don’t really have much of an idea what happens, but it’s just fun, you know? I think the main thing about performing a live show is that you’ve got to make it something that isn’t the EP. You’ve got to make it something that people can’t hear on the CD or hear in recording.
AS: I think we want the audience to see that we’re actually working as well, you know, like getting up a sweat and running around and putting on a show, getting some energy happening and getting into the crowd. Like, we’re trying to come up with ways of engaging with people.
OB: Yes, it’s fun. It’s a lot of fun, you know? That’s what we like to do.
Here’s the thing: you had this amazingly successful solo career. Everything is best of this, best of that. And I was going to ask you “why a band?” But I’m starting to get it.
OB: Yes.
This energy that you’re talking about on stage -- you always were energetic on stage, but are you pulling in more together?
AS: Yeah, absolutely.
KH: Yes.
OB: Yeah, it’s just there’s something about it that you can’t really beat when you’re on stage and you’ve got people there watching you. I think there’s something that naturally just happens. I think this music lends more towards it. I think with the blues music I was doing previously, it lends a certain kind of energy. But this is a whole different kind. At show time it’s rock and roll and what goes, goes, and I love that. Like, it’s a kick you can’t beat at all.
Who put the bug in your ear? Or did you just get up one day and say, “Let me just do something different?”
OB: I did. I kind of got tired of the scene I was around. I just didn’t really feel like I was being myself or what I wanted to do. I felt very much under the vice of other decisions and other choices. And I was actually like, “you know what, screw that. I know what I want to do, I know what I want to sound like, and I know what I’ve got to do to change it.” So that’s why I changed everything,I left everything, and just hit the reset and just started from scratch. And I’m eternally grateful for it because I got to meet two great musicians, and now I get to tour with them through America, and I’m incredibly lucky for it.
How did you guys meet?
OB: It was actually on Facebook. Kev and I have crossed paths a couple of times before in different bands, made evil eyes towards each other.
My god, it's so romantic!
ALL: Laughs.
OB: No, it was malice.
See you can meet online. 
OB: Malice and hate.
AS: Hatred.
OB: Look how well we're doing. But no, he was doing drum cover videos, and I found one. I listened to it because I was looking for a drummer that day, and all of a sudden he was like -- I actually didn't need to look any further. He was a monster player. And then I moved over to England to live with Kev, and Kev put Aaron forward, and we all got together, got drunk, and decided it worked. You know?
See, that works out too. No hangovers, no morning afters, no regrets.
OB: Yes, yes!
This is a love story.
AS: We're still drunk. There's no come down because we've never stopped drinking. As soon as we sober up we're going to be like "what the fuck!"
KH: A year-long hangover.
Didn't you guys just play with Glorious Sons in Nashville two days ago?
OB & KH: Yes.
AS: We did indeed.
Are you guys buddies? Did you know them before?
OB: No, it was the first show we had with them. They're a wicked band as well. We really enjoyed their live show. They've got a really cool energy about them and good songs as well which is kind of cool, you know. You've got the bands that are a bit showy but don’t have the songs, but these guys they have the whole package, so it was cool to watch their gig. They seem like really nice guys. I think they were busy before, and we had a few gear issues that we were trying to organize, so we didn't get a chance to really talk and hang out too much, but we watched each others' shows and that was really cool. They're class lads.
What are you doing now? What's next?
OB: We've got a tour out with Slash. We go do the rest of the US dates until the 30th of October supporting Slash, which is gonna be incredible for us. It’s our first foot into America and I think on the back of Slash, I mean, we couldn't have asked for a better opportunity that we’re so grateful for.
KH: Yes.
And you're picking up fans like crazy, I'm just going to tell you right now. 
OB: Laughs. Hopefully, that's incredible.
KH: That's cool. Yeah!
OB: I think everyone is so friendly here. That's the coolest thing.
AS: Yeah, I love it.
OB: There's a different kind of energy to us than touring in Europe. I love touring Europe. I think Europe is incredible and they support music really well. But there's also just something really beautiful about the American culture, and how they are towards British music as well, which I love. It's incredible. There's a lot of passion for a variety of music in America. Where in England you have a few radio stations that play the same play lists. You know, you get one rock radio for like one hour at like Sunday at 9pm or something like that.
AS: Yes, that's true.
OB: But then here you listen to radio, you've got so many different rock stations and rock people. It's just a different love for this music which is where we belong because we're a rock band. We're never going to be a pop band. It feels at home.
You guys did some crowd sourcing to get here.
OB: Yes.
Are you just going stay now?
AS: Yes, we're definitely staying. We bought a condo, all over the country.
So I guess we can all take turns doing like the meal delivery thing and make sure you're all fed.
AS: Yeah, yeah, yeah, that’s it. Excellent.
So you're with Slash. Guitar player to guitar player, is this blowing your mind?
OB: Yeah, I think its -- we had a few European dates with him which were incredible. And we're like, “Okay, that's great, we had such a good time, what's next.” And then it was like a few weeks later we’re like, “Oh we've got the US tour.” And I think -- yeah, I -- that's the best news we could have really been given. I don’t think we ever expected this to happen quite like this. I mean, we were stoked. The EP was really just a feeler record to kind of get people to pay attention to the band. It was independent. We weren't going with anyone. I think it was just a way to get a chance to get heard. But I didn't expect this. I didn't expect a year later we'd be sitting here chatting in Louisivlle. I mean, its incredible. We’re so, so lucky and grateful for it. That's why, you know, the three of us all are very close because we've all worked very hard to get to this point, you know, and we love it. We love every aspect of the work. We love the music side, but we love the business side. We all sit down and plan our days together and give ourselves tasks to do.
AS: And we do each others' hair and everything. It's really fun.
OB: But you messed up my nails.
Okay, so the name?
OB: Yep.
I'm not going to put words in your mouth, but I did notice that you social-media’d some Edgar Allan Poe stuff.
OB: Oh yeah, I did, yeah!
KH: Nice.
So how did you come up with the name?
OB: Growing up as a kid I loved birds. I was a big bird dork. I loved every kind of bird.
A bird dork?
OB: Oh yeah. Not like the girl kind of bird dork, just the bird, quite literally the birds. And I loved ravens. They're intelligent birds. Out of all the corvids they're just incredibly intelligent, they're macabre, and there is something cool and dark about them. And obviously with the Poe -- the Poefluence, we'll call it -- I love that as well. There's just something about the name which kind of keeps it ominous. It doesn't really say it's too heavy or anything. I really wanted a neutral name that sounds good. And ravens are wicked birds, and there's some cool things you can use puns for, which I love. The fans are ravens as well ... they're all part of our flock ... we're leaving the nest to go to America ... I love that stuff. I love that, because it brings people in with us as well. They're part of our team, but it's better than saying team. Your'e a part of the flock, you know? And all the dumb puns you can say with it.
That's true!
OB: Oh yeah.
AS: It's great
So you guys are really just digging your fan base right now.
KH: Oh yeah.
How much do you get to socialize with the fans after shows? Are you going to be out and about?
OB: All the time.
AS: Oh yes. Yes.
KH: Yep.
OB: We'll be the last people to leave the venue, and security is sick of us after every gig. Because I think it's the most important thing. You know, our music is only fueled by the people that actually want to care about it. And that's important to us. We work hard in the social media to keep in touch with everyone, and we pretty much know everyone, you know? If someone says hello to us on Facebook, we'll know the name and we'll hang out at the end of the night. We'll always, at the end of the show, hang out by the CDs, just chill out and talk. I think that's important, you know? We love it.
It is important, very important, and very appreciated. Once they love you, they're rabid. 
ALL: Yes.
Can birds be rabid?
AS: I'm not sure.
OB: Yeah, I'd say so, yes.
AS: Yeah, I could say.
OB: Peckish. Let's say peckish.
Now I love you. I love the music, I love the energy, but the puns ...you got me at the puns. So what do you want to say to your fans before I have to say goodbye until tomorrow?
OB: Be ready for a rocking show tomorrow. We can't wait to get crazy. You’re going to be the second show played in America, and we have high expectations of how loud and rowdy Louisville can get. So we're looking forward to it.
Yeah, it could get rowdy. 
OB: We want everyone a few bourbons in before 11am.
AS: Definitely. 11 o'clock.
That's what I was gonna say. Let’s hit the bourbon tent and get warm.
OB: Wicked.
Thank you all so much. I'm looking forward to tomorrow.
OB: I'm stoked you can check it out as well. That's amazing.
KH: Sweet.
Alright. Stay warm. Have some bourbon. Stay warm and drunk.
AS: Yeah, will do. See you, Darlin'.
OB: Yeah, we will do it. Appreciate it.
[flickr_set id="72157659667928611"]

You can follow RavenEye on Facebook,  Twitter, and Instagram. You can listen to the track "Breaking Out" on SoundCloud and download the record of the same name on iTunes.  Check out tour dates at www.raveneyeofficial.com.
This is Robin the Raven, sparrowing you anymore bird puns ... for now. Look for more quotes from RavenEye in the near future.

Butcher Babies: Carla, Heidi, and Henry at Louder Than Life

Photo/Written by Robin Ervolina
It was a cold and rainy day in Louisville, Kentucky. The gates for Louder Than Life opened late due to inclement weather pushing set times back. By the time Heidi Shepherd, Carla Harvey, and Henry Flury made it to the media tent, a damp drizzle hung heavy in the air. Lucky for me these fabulous Butcher Babies know how to Take It Like a Man and were fired up to talk about wardrobe, perseverance, and the inspiration behind their music.
 Shockwave Magazine: Hi guys!
 Heidi Shepherd: Hi.
Carla Harvey: Hi.
Henry Flury: Hey.
It’s so nice to meet you. Thank you for talking with Shockwave Magazine.
HS: Of course! Thanks for having us.
Forgive me for shivering. It’s my first interview of the day, and I’m freezing as well.
CH: We were the first band of the day and we were freezing too on the main stage there.
HF: It was freezing!
HS: So we understand.
You freeze out there?
CH: Well, today we wore jackets on stage so we were okay. We wore leather pants and leather jackets.
HS: Oh yeah, we were all leathered up today.
CH: Yeah, you know, we dress appropriately for the weather. If it’s hot we wear a little bit less.
HF: Yes, we do have winter wear. We have winter suits.
I’m from Florida, so we don’t.
HF: We just came from there and it was so nice.
CH: I’m assuming you’re referring to the first look we ever did years and years ago.
Years and years ago with your Wendy O. inspired look?
HS: Yeah, but that was -- we haven’t done that in like six years. So really, it’s like even indoors we’ll wear jackets and shit, so, it’s very -- whatever we feel like for the day.
It’s always just so impressive to me. I love your wardrobe; I love your show. The showmanship is incredible …
 HS: Thank you.
… but ultimately it’s about the music.
HS: Exactly.
CH: Yes.
So you’re touring with Take It Like a Man now.
HS: Yes.
What does "take it like a man" mean to you?
HS: You know it’s so interesting, so many people are, “Oh, is that gender-based? What does it mean?” But the thing is, it’s not a gender-based term. It’s a term of fight. It’s a term of finding your inner strength and becoming who you are regardless of what everyone tells you to be, regardless of how hard you’ve been beat down. For all of us, at very young ages we had to learn to essentially take it like man and fight for our lives, fight for what we believe, and fight for what we want to be. You know, whether it be abandonment, child abuse, different things here and there, at a very young age each of us had to learn to take it like a man. That carried on into us as adults and our fight for who we are today, and our fight for our lives today. You know what I mean? Even going into our career today how many times we hear, you know just dumb shitty things people say that they have no idea who we are and probably have never even listened to the music. And it to us is, we just take it like a man and it just rolls off our shoulders because it really doesn’t matter. Of all the things that we’ve been through in our lives, something that someone else says or something that someone else does, that doesn’t matter. We’re going to define ourselves and that’s how it’s going to be. And so for us, that is basically what “take it like a man” means.
The lyrics in your music are very raw, but it’s very emotionally raw.
CH: Yes.
HS: Yes. We’re girls. (laughs)
CH: Yeah.
HS: No, but boys do it too. But the things is that I think that that’s metal.
CH: Yes, I think that we really do draw our lyrics from our life experiences, and I think that’s essential. It’s essential to be honest in metal music because there are so many people out there that need to know that you’re going through the same things or you have gone through the same things that they’ve gone through. I think for us, the reason that we chose metal is because we were angry, disenfranchised, disenchanted kids. We needed an outlet for our own feelings, and it’s so cathartic to be honest and raw and passionate with the words that you write. When you put them on paper and then release them with your own voice to the world, it really does help you heal and become a better person.
HS: Oh completely. Even just through the writing of Take It Like a Man I’ve come into my own a little bit with different experiences I went through as a kid, experiences and emotions that I’d suppressed my entire life because I never wanted to ever talk about them again. Then one day on the bus we’re just driving along, we’re writing Take It Like a Man and everyone is kind of doing their own thing. It had been a couple months of writing and I was just sitting there and it just came to me, and it was something that -- an emotion I really needed to get out for myself. It wasn’t necessarily “Oh, I’m going to talk about this because I think people might relate.” But it was more so, “I need to talk about this. I need to get it off my chest for myself to heal.” I think that a lot of artists, that’s what brings in the honesty with it. If anyone can relate to it later on down the line, well accomplished, thank God. But you know, for this -- anyone who does art, this is why we do it. We do it for expression of ourselves.
And I think that, with the lyrics, when you talk about your vulnerability and that it’s very important to be honest in metal, I think because you do have such a tough persona on stage, to hear these vulnerable lyrics, it’s very empowering for anyone and everyone who listens.
CH: Oh, thank you.
HS: Yeah, thank you!
And I’ve heard people say, “Oh, you know with thrash metal lyrics don’t matter because you’re just in it for the emotion. And then other people say, “Oh no no, with thrash metal lyrics are everything.”
HF: Yeah.
For you guys, lyrics are …?
CH: Well, obviously we’re vocalists so lyrics are everything to us. (laughs)
HS: I think it’s a collective whole. The lyrics could be over shit music and not mean anything. Every single member of this band has a hand in writing everything. It’s not like we’re only designated to vocals or writing lyrics, and they’re only designated to guitar, drums, blah blah blah. Everyone has a hand in everything and we write collectively so that everyone feels kind of empowered when we play these songs. And yes, we do have a strong persona on stage, and I think that’s from where we came from as kids and where we came from as young adults. And that whole having to basically take it like a man that we came through. And I’ve had so many people tell me, “Oh you have such a hard heart.” And I just say, well I was fucking born that way, I guess.
A hard heart? Because I don’t hear it. When I hear your music I really hear that vulnerability, and I don’t think you can have a hard heart and be so honest with your fans.
HS: I didn’t just open up to until … You can hear it on Take It Like a Man, a little bit on Goliath, but more so on Take It Like a Man.
I think it was you, Heidi, that said Goliath was therapy.
CH: Every writing is therapy, all the time.
HS: Yeah, going into Take It Like a Man I think it was just brought out because we were looking forward to that. We were looking forward to that therapeutic experience. And I think when anyone is having a hard time, just putting it down on paper and being creative with it helps a little bit.
How are your fans and the crowd receiving the new music?
CH: Everyone just loves the new music and we’re so proud. We really are. You know, one goal too was, we’re known as a live band and we wanted to have songs that go over live very well. On Goliath, we’re very proud of that album, but there’s not a lot of songs that you can play live and that ...
HS: And we’re a band that kicks you in the face.
HF: Oh really?
CH: And I think in Take It Like a Man we have done that. And the fan response immediately was great. And we’ve asked people what their favorite songs are, and it’s such a wide variety that we know that we have made a great album.
HS: Collectively.
CH: Yeah, it’s great.
The first time I saw you perform I felt like what you were doing was so unique, and it did remind me of my old punk days.
HS: Yeah!
CH: Awesome!
Really tough, strong women. Now I’m seeing it a little bit more and more, and these new young vocalists are coming out strong and empowered. What advice do you have for these new bands that are trying to come into their own in this industry?
CH: Just perseverance.
HS: That’s so cute, by the way.
CH: Yes, perseverance. You know, none of us are kids in this band and we’ve worked our whole lives to get where we are today, and we’ve been through a lot of shit to get where we are today. And you can’t give up on your dreams. If you have a strong dream, if you believe you should be doing something, you have to follow that dream and don’t let people tell you no. We’ve been told no by everyone.
HS: Everyone.
CH: Parents, boyfriends, girlfriends, best friends.
HF: Yep, you’ve got to fight, kick and scream to get heard, and don’t listen to, really, anybody. Really, just do what you want to do.
HS: I think all of us went through some crazy shit when we started this.
CH: Yes.
HS: I think every aspect of our lives, everyone told us no, and we sacrificed it all to make it happen.
HF: Important people that we trusted who were like, “don’t.”
CH: Family, relationships …
HF: I had a very important person tell me, "Do not do this. This is a bad idea."
CH: I think it’s important for people to remember that a lot of people are afraid of living their own dreams out, and a lot of people have let go of their own dreams. So they don’t want to see you succeed, and it’s unfortunate.
HS: Especially as girls, you know how girls are so catty. You have girlfriends and they’re like, “Ah, that’s a one-in-a-million thing” and you’re like, “Well, I can be that one-in-a-million," and so can anyone else if they work their asses off, they sure can be.
CH: I mean like what’s the fucking worst thing that could happen? What? You fail? You have the time of your life failing and then you go do something else? You know, after you’ve …
HF: Who cares? Who cares?
CH: Yeah, and like I said, you still have this great life experience to share, and it’s like, who cares at the end of the day.
HF: Yep.
CH: You know, as long as you try, you’re not failing.
HS: Bingo.
I’m getting the wrap it up in two minutes warning. You are awesome! Thank you guys!
HS: Awe!
 Thank you guys so much. Again, happy birthday, Carla!
CH: Thank you.
 I was going to tell you guys to stay warm but I’m the one who is sitting here shivering like a chihuahua.
HS: I think we’re all in the same boat here today so I feel your pain, Babe.
HF: Yep, we’re all chillin’.
Thank you so much.
You can catch the Butcher Babies on tour by clicking here for dates. Their new record Take It Like a Man is available now and can be downloaded on iTunes by clicking here.

Turbowolf: Chris Georgiadis Interview

Written by Robin Ervolina
Hailing from Bristol, UK, rock band Turbowolf is hunting down fans on American soil whilst on their first visit across the pond to promote their 2015 record Two Hands. The pack consists of Chris Georgiadis (vocals/synth), Andy Ghosh (guitar), Lianna Lee Davies (bass) & Blake Davies (drums). Georgiadis (vocals/synth) sits down with Shockwave Magazine to talk tour, Two Hands, and the adventure of a lifetime.
Shockwave Magazine: Let’s start out with a Turbowolf 101 question. How did you all come together in your current incarnation?
Chris Georgiadis: I've been in various bands with Andy (guitarist) for about 12 years now. We've been through a couple of different drummers and bassists but our current line up is Blake on drums; who we've known for years as a great player and all round cool guy. Our bass player Lianna has been with us for about 2 years; she joined after her previous band (Pettybone) split.
I’ve read many reviews of your music and it appears to me the media has a hard time defining your sound. Some call you hard rock, others categorize you as alternative metal, and the term "psychedelic" gets thrown around a bit too. Evolution aside, how do you define your sound today?
It's an amalgamation of sounds and styles that we're trying to make something new and personal out of.
This is your first ever US tour. How are we treating you?
Very well! We're having a great time out here. Friendly people and enthusiastic audiences. All we could ask for!
Have you had time to see the sites in the US? Any place or activity stand out as particularly wacky or most memorable?
It's all pretty special to us to be honest. Your landscape is wildly different to our European one, and your eccentricity in terms of roadside attractions is much appreciated.
How has the tour to support Two Hands been thus far? Any highlights?
Excellent! So many great times with fans old and new so far. Too many to pick a single show out.
You’ll be returning home soon to headline in the UK. What are you looking forward to upon your return?
Having some fun with our UK fans at the headline shows is top of the list.
Let’s talk about Two Hands. What was your writing and recording process?
Myself and Andy wrote the album at our respective homes over the space of a year or so. We then recruited Tom Dalgety to record and engineer the album, which turned into him co-producing alongside us. We spent about 6 weeks recording and mixing the album, partly at Rockfield studios but mostly in Tom's studio in Bath.
I know everyone lies about having a favorite child. What’s your favorite song off Two Hands?
"Rich Gift."
In the past you’ve had great success being featured on movie and video game soundtracks. Any collaborations in the works?
I don't think so...we're open to suggestions though!
What do you have coming up in the future in terms of touring or new projects?
After the UK headline run we're going to retreat from playing live for a while and write another album.
Anything else you’d like to say to your fans?
Thank you for your support in whatever form it comes in! Come to a show and say hello!
Visit Turbowolf's website to check out their last few U.S. tour dates, or perhaps to plan a trip to the UK to check out Turbowolf on their headlining tour. You can download Two Hands by clicking that handy link.

Screaming at Demons: Shimon Moore Interview

Written by Robin Ervolina
Former Sick Puppies frontman Shimon Moore, together with Chris Clemence (Rap Scallions) and Russell Ali, have formed a new band called Screaming at Demons. Their first single "Rock Star" will be released on October 6th, 2015. Sick Puppies rose to overnight success when Moore filmed the famous Free Hugs video in 2006, catapulting the social movement world-wide. It's no wonder and with great expectation that "Rock Star" will be released in a similarly unconventional way. Shimon and Clemence talk with Shockwave Magazine about their new band, the charity Homeless Rock Stars and life beyond a label.
Thanks for calling Shockwave. I want to jump right in and talk about the new project that's coming up. You have a new band called Screaming at Demons. How did the three of you come together as a band?
Shimon Moore: Chris, why don’t you take that?
Chris Clemence: Back in 2014 Shim did a couple of solo tours with Russell (Ali), and he called it Screaming at Demons, and people were like, “Oh that must be the name of the new band!” and it just kind of stuck. So, they knew they were going to do something together. I happened to meet Shim at a friend’s party in Hollywood and we kind of just hit it off right away and we started doing some writing and music together, and then he asked me to be in the band.
So the band name Screaming at Demons just stuck. What was the sentiment behind that statement, and how does it convey the collective voice for your new collaboration?
SM: Originally it was more of a happy accident. I didn’t want to do the Shimon Moore show because … it just felt lame to do. I wanted to call it something that was more than myself. I wanted it to be more of an experience. A friend of mine drew a poster for the show, and it’s a black and white picture of me looking down at this very demonic kind of thing screaming back up at me. The name came to me very quickly when I saw that. Then it came more and more to mean things going on in my life. I felt like all of these things sort of leading up to it, and the idea of wrestling with demons, and the idea that I’m not going to take this shit.
The song and video for “Rock Star” premiers October 6 as the soundtrack for a video that you, Shim, produced for Nigel Skeet’s charity Homeless Rock Stars. Can you tell us about the charity and how you got involved with it?
SM: Nigel Skeet had worked on skid row with a lot of homeless people and came to understand the homeless situation. When he moved up to Redding (California) the community said to him, “You know, you better be careful of the homeless community up here. You’d better be careful.” He really was allergic to the bullying mentality this community had. So he basically sort of dissolved the tension by inviting … he had this idea. The whole thing with Nigel is the idea to sort of grab some people up and give them hair and makeup. Then he was doing an interview about his own photo studio, and at the end of this interview he said, “Oh, and yeah, I have this idea to give homeless people hair and makeup and give them, like, a rock and roll photo shoot,” and that was it. The next day he was on the front of the paper. And they said, “Nigel Skeet, rock and roll photographer is making homeless people rock stars.” Suddenly Homeless Rock Stars was born, and Nigel hadn’t done anything yet.
It’s kind of like what’s happening with Screaming at Demons and the song. A lot of people are asking us what we’re doing, and helping it turn into something, and we haven’t even really done anything yet. We’re just doing it. Like, the act of doing it is very interesting and story-worthy in a way. That’s exactly what happened with Nigel. Suddenly he had to find a bunch of homeless people and give them hair and makeup, so he just went to the mission and found 50 homeless people and then the next thing you know the community exploded with enthusiasm and they wanted to help, and they wanted to do a gallery showing, and they wanted to cater it. Then the television stations called, and everyone became involved. Then people around the country started to hear about it and say, “When can we get our own Homeless Rock Stars event?” So Nigel funneled it into a very basic experience where he brings homeless people into a photography studio, gives them hair and makeup and a photo shoot. Then right after they’ve gotten their hair and makeup done, after restoring their humanity and reestablishing their confidence in themselves, he invites members of the community in, like the police chief and the fire chief and local business owners. Then everyone walks in and says, “Where are the homeless people?” because they don’t feel and look homeless anymore. The members of the community give them a pre-written rock and roll interview which says “What’s your favorite band? Where do you want to travel if you could? What’s your passion? What do you want to do with your life?” All of that is about the future, not about the past. By the end of this experience the local community is jumping through hoops to connect these people with their dreams. We’ve gotten a woman an audition on “The Voice.” We took a girl named Jessie Valley, who is the star of the Homeless Rock Stars video, from living in a swamp in a tent, brought her back home to her parents, rehabilitated her from meth addiction, and now she’s an apprentice to a five-star sous chef and the head caterer to the Homeless Rock Stars event nationally.
So, that’s what Nigel is really doing. He called me at the beginning of it and said, “I think I’ve found something and I thought of you.” We go way back, we’re very old friends. And so he said, “Can you write a song, like a theme song, a rock and roll theme song?” And I said, “Sure, what do you want it to say?” And he said, “I just want a song that says ‘I’m a rock star.’” So I listened to everything that he was telling me about the project, and wrote the song for the project. And then afterwards I thought, well, you know, we may as well see how far we can take it. And I’d already done the Free Hugs video a few years ago and I thought, well I’ll just -- I drove up to Redding and filmed it with my little crappy camera. I still don’t have a good camera. I put it together and made a video, which is what’s sort of launching Homeless Rock Stars, but also we then solidified the band and the band name. Chris joined around this time and it all sort of came together. Now it’s the first single for the band.
I’ve read that "Rock Star" will not be available on Spotify, you will not be able to buy it in stores, and you are not going to be able to download it on iTunes.
SM: Yes.
It is only going to be available by watching the video?
SM: No. Well, yes. The way that you can get the song directly is, you’re going to watch the video, and at the end of the video there’s going to be a short set of instructions basically telling you to text “rockstar” to a number. And when you text “rockstar” to this phone number we’ll send you a text back so that you can send a gift to Homeless Rock Stars. Then when you send a gift to Homeless Rock Stars, after they receive the donation you get the song emailed directly to you.
Is this the kind of thing we can expect from Screaming at Demons? Are you going to turn this industry on its proverbial head and unleash some new promotional madness?
CC: Well, I really think that the whole way this band has gone about everything is kind of against the grain, and that’s what makes it so exciting and why I think everyone wants to talk about it. We’re not doing a typical release where you record a record and then you tour on a release and you hope it sells. We’re releasing it in a revolutionary way, and we’re involved in a revolutionary project with this charity, and we’re changing peoples’ lives and helping them along with the music. So I think it’s kind of the way we’re starting out, and we’re probably going to keep it rolling that way.
I have admit Shim, I watched an 11-part interview you did with your dad and ...
SM: You watched all that?
All 11 parts of it, actually. It was interesting! You referred to labels as the worst type of bank in the world, and you said that not having a label was a blessing. I was wondering if you would like to elaborate on that a little bit in terms of what Screaming at Demons is doing, and what kinds of things you are looking forward to accomplishing.
SM: It’s a double-edged sword. Everything is a balance. Everyone talks about Radiohead. Every time this conversation comes up they all say, “Oh Radiohead, they were amazing. They released a record and made it available for a donation and you could pay nothing or ten dollars or whatever you want.” Radiohead specifically said “We couldn’t have done this if it wasn’t for 15 years of help from the label to build our brand.” That’s exactly true. Now, I couldn’t do what I’m doing with Screaming at Demons if -- well, to an extent. I couldn’t do it quite as well if I didn’t have the notoriety of everything that happened with Sick Puppies. So I’m not saying record labels are the devil. I’m just saying that you need to understand exactly what they are. And what they are is effectively an amazing promotional company with big bunch of money that they can use to help you. But you must be aware that you’re paying all of this back with a huge amount of interest. That is why they’re the worst bank in the world because that’s basically what they are. If you were to borrow money off the bank, and look up on Facebook and LinkedIn the best promotions director for pop radio and pay him 100,000 dollars, if your song becomes a hit you’re in a better position than if you signed to a label. Now that’s the balance that I’m talking about. Labels can have their place and they do have their place, and they’re fine. The thing that I find important to us and our project is making sure that people who are making music and people who are coming into this business understand that the myth of the record label isn’t really true, and that the curtain is being drawn back to show the wizard. The fact is, they hold a place. You don’t need them to make a living from making music, and it’s more evident every day as new technology comes out and more and more people are making themselves aware of what’s available. You know I couldn’t do this with the band if I didn’t have a Homeless Rock Stars video. But I would have kept looking for something else to help promote the music. This just happens to be, you know, a beautiful coincident that I get to share with Nigel who is a friend of mine, and it’s a great cause. If this opportunity hadn’t come, I probably would have looked for some other opportunity to promote my music and continue to do what I’ve been talking about. That’s the main thing that I think is important, that people are aware of what a record label is, instead of a record label turning you into a star and making your dreams come true because it’s just not true.
Are we going to see a lot of these new ways of getting Screaming At Demons out to the general public for consumption?
Shim: Yeah, I would say so. Yes. We’re definitely looking at the next thing already. We’re working on the next set of music that we’re going to be making, and how to place it, and how to do all that. It’s not a matter of saying we’re not – I hate to say never. I try to never say never. But I think that we’re living and dying by the sword at the moment that we’re talking about because we’re not calling record labels. We’re calling people who we know who work with other companies or people who are film producers, television producers, people who own media outlets, and you know, trying to find a way to place our music in the world, and doing it ourselves. That’s one of the things that Chris really specializes in. He’s always been amazing at knowing people and connecting things which is why he’s an invaluable member of the band. So the three of us combined were able to create all of our content and sell it without the help of a major label at the moment. But, you know, like I say, I never say never. And also we’re very fortunate all three of us are coming from this experience, and the Sick Puppies fan base that I have is very unique and a blessing to have. So it’s definitely a unique position for us to be in which is taking advantage of all the opportunities that we currently have.
CC: It’s kind of the perfect storm.
SM: It really is.
Everything is happening very organically, without plans but with great experience and a lot of enthusiasm, and I’m looking forward to seeing what you guys have coming for us in the next year. I know you have some songs that you have laid down, but I’ve read no plans yet for an EP or an LP. How about any live shows in the next year?
SM: Chris? Go for it.
CC: Yeah, I mean, we’re definitely planning to tour in 2016, but right now we’ve got our hands full with the launch of this video for Homeless Rock Stars. Next, first and foremost, we do have some follow-up singles after “Rock Star” that you guys will be hearing about very soon, which may lead up to an EP. But in terms of live shows we might perform at some Homeless Rock Stars events, but touring will definitely be next year, not this year.
So to learn more about Homeless Rock Stars?
CC: Homelessrockstars.com
And you are at Screamingatdemons.com?
CC: Correct, and also at facebook.com/screamingatdemons. And everyone can follow up on Twitter (@screamatdemons) and Instagram (instagram.com/screamingatdemons) as well.
We will be watching for the drop of this video, and I’m going to encourage everyone to check out those links so that we can follow you and all of the things that you have coming in the next year.
CC: Awesome. Thanks for having us.
SM: Thank you so much. Thank you for your time.
Thank you both so much. That was awesome and I appreciate it. Good luck with the launch, guys!
Click on any of the above links to follow Screaming at Demons, and to learn more about Homeless Rock Stars.